I'm in my 30s and thinking of starting anti-aging retinol. Please give me some advice.

Hello Maypure members! I've been lurking for a while, but I'm posting a question on the Free Board for the first time because I have some skin concerns. Haha. When I was in my 20s, I could just apply basic skincare products haphazardly and still have flawless skin the next day. However, as I head towards my mid-30s, I can definitely see pillow marks not disappearing when I wake up, and the fine lines around my eyes and nasolabial folds are noticeably deepening. ㅠㅠ Every time I look in the mirror, I feel like my skin's elasticity isn't what it used to be, so I've started to get really scared. It seems like firming creams alone have their limits, so I've been frantically searching for days to try out cosmetics containing 'retinol,' which have been all the rage on YouTube and beauty forums recently as the ultimate anti-aging product.

However, when I looked up reviews for retinol, there were many testimonials about dramatic effects, but conversely, the reviews from those who experienced side effects were so terrifying that I couldn't bring myself to make the purchase and have just left it in my shopping cart. There were so many scary stories, such as dead skin peeling off like a shedding skin, faces turning red and stinging so much that they had to take medication from a dermatologist, and suffering because their skin barrier broke down. My skin type isn't ultra-sensitive and I'm not usually picky about cosmetics, but since this is my first time using a high-concentration functional ingredient, I am really worried that my skin might completely break out.

So, I’d like to ask the retinol experts a few questions! First, please recommend any gentle products or brands with very low concentrations that are good for a retinol beginner like me to start with. I’m worried that if the concentration is too high, it will definitely be irritating. Second, I’ve heard that you should absolutely never use retinol with exfoliating ingredients (AHA, BHA) or Vitamin C ampoules. In that case, what moisturizer works best with it? Would it be less irritating if I used it with a thick panthenol cream?

Lastly, I'm curious about the application frequency! I heard that you shouldn't apply it every day at first, but instead squeeze out a rice-grain-sized amount and use it only once every three days to allow your skin to adjust. I really want to hear your real reviews on how you all managed to get used to it initially, haha. I'm also confused whether I should just endure the slight peeling at the beginning—like a detoxification reaction—and keep using it, or if I should stop immediately. I would be so grateful if you could share all your retinol tips and precautions with a 30-something who is sad about losing skin elasticity. I'll be waiting for your comments!